On the afternoon of October 30 local time, the 43rd UNESCO Conference opened in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. More than 2,800 delegates from 190 countries and international organizations, including China, were to attend the conference. Serbian President Wojcic and Slovak President Peregrini attended the meeting as honorary guests. Uzbekistan President Miljoyev spoke at the opening ceremony.

This conference will last until November 13th, and the next four-year plan and budget of UNESCO (2026-2029) will be adopted. The conference will also announce the new Director-General of UNESCO on the morning of November 6th, local time.

Earlier this month, the Executive Board of UNESCO voted on the nomination of the next Director-General. Khalid Enani, former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Cultural Relics, won with an absolute majority and became the only candidate for Director-General recommended by the Executive Board. According to the relevant charter, all UNESCO member states will vote on this nomination on November 6. If the vote is approved, Enani will take office in mid-November. (General reporter Hao Wei)